The Gedee Car Museum in Coimbatore has inaugurated a new wing dedicated to performance cars. This addition features race cars, sports cars and supercars, offering visitors a journey through the evolution of speed and the engineering and thought processes behind it. Far more than a static display, this new modern section integrates looping video installations, vibrant murals and intuitive infographics that narrate the story of technological progress, the influence of motorsport and the people behind these machines. Given Coimbatore’s reputation as a motorsport hub and a centre for single-seater sports car manufacturing, a dedicated area now also showcases race cars built locally, both from the past and present.

GD Gopal, managing trustee of the Gedee Car Museum, explained that the new wing was conceived to inspire younger generations. “Precision leads to performance,” he said, adding, “and that’s exactly what we are trying to showcase here.”

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by two classics – an MG TC and an Alfa Romeo Spider – so as to showcase the origins of performance motoring. Adjacent to the MG sits a McLaren Artura, accompanied by a wall-mounted infographic contrasting the specifications and performance of both cars; fascinating.

Further along, a section explores the development of motorsport pit stops. A Formula car built by JA Motorsport in Coimbatore takes centre stage, where visitors can perform a pit stop by changing tyres. Children are invited to change tyres on a go-kart.

The next hall houses an impressive array of sports cars and supercars. On one side: a Mazda RX-8, a Porsche Boxster, a BMW Z4 and a Mercedes SLK. Opposite: a Toyota MR2 convertible, a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Ford Mustang, a Maserati Ghibli and a Ferrari 599 – showcasing cars with V6s, V8s, V10s and a V12.

Beyond this, a Ford GT40 marks the transition to motorsport vehicles, with a special focus on those crafted in Coimbatore. Highlights include Formula LGB cars, S Karivardhan’s interpretation of the Lotus 7, a pair of McDowell 1000s, and a recreation of Kari’s modified Fiat 1100 (Premier Padmini). Notably absent, however, is the Formula India Single Seater Maruti Engine (FISSME) or Formula Maruti – also a creation of Kari.

The final hall celebrates modern British performance and luxury marques, including Rolls-Royce, Lotus and Aston Martin. The showstopper here is an exploded view of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage – meticulously dissected and suspended in mid-air to resemble a car frozen at the moment of detonation. It’s a visual treat and a masterclass in engineering; there’s just so much to see here. 

During the inauguration, GD Gopal will also be inducted into the prestigious FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) Hall of Fame, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of automotive heritage. The honour will be presented by Ramin Salehkhou, vice president of FIVA.

Whether you’re a motoring enthusiast, a technology buff, or simply passing through Coimbatore, the Gedee Car Museum is an unmissable destination – especially for children and curious minds.